Accounting for Love

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘Have you seen Melissa this morning?’

  ‘She’s just in here now.’

  ‘Put her on to me will you?’

  ‘Sure. Melissa? A call for you.’

  ‘For me, darling? Nobody knows I’m here.’

  ‘Somebody wants you.’

  ‘Who is it?’ she asked suspiciously.

  ‘Don’t know. Here. Take the phone.’

  ‘Hello?’

  ‘Melissa. It’s me.’

  ‘I’ve nothing to say to you.’ She put the phone down.

  ‘Damn the woman,’ he cursed. He redialled the number. ‘Rory? She mustn’t take anything from the shop. Tell her from me. I’m coming over right away. Shut her in the office if she tries to take anything.’

  ‘Right you are, boss.’

  Adam drove at a scarily fast pace. Fiona could see he was fuming, and she felt angry too. The woman was totally out of control. They parked and he forgot to lock the car. She stopped him and he went back towards it, pressing the remote lock. He apologised and almost ran into the store.

  ‘Where is she?’ he demanded.

  ‘Sorry, she left. Went out like a dose of salts. And no, she didn’t take anything she shouldn’t have done. I made sure of it.’

  ‘Well done. She’s clearing out stock like there’s no tomorrow.’

  ‘For her, there isn’t,’ Fiona pointed out. ‘She taken her lot for today. Forever.’

  ‘There’s nothing else we can do here. Thanks, Rory. I’ll be in touch soon. Come on. Let’s get back to the flat. We’ll see what she’s done with it.’

  ‘You can bet it won’t be there. My guess is she’s gone to her tailor’s with the booty. I don’t see her sewing the night away at home.’ Adam laughed.

  ‘You’re quite right. Trouble is, I don’t know where her tailor lives or works. I’ll take it up with her at her flat. If ever I can catch her there, of course.’

  He started the car again and drove back to the flat silently. He even apologised for being so quiet, but Fiona said it didn’t matter. She switched on her computer and began to work on the reports she was sending to her father. It was quite easy with all the information she had filled in already. When she had almost finished, she went in search of Adam. He was nowhere to be found. His office was empty, the computers left unopened. She gave a shrug. She’d have to ask him her questions later. She put on the coffee machine and went to look for something to eat. She made a sandwich and sat eating looking out at what had turned into a rather dreary day. If Adam had gone out for a run, he’d be somewhat damp by the time he returned.

  It reached five o’clock and still no sign of him. She began to worry slightly. Not knowing when he’d gone out, she had no idea of where he’d gone. She went down to the garage, but his car was still in its usual place. He must be somewhere, she reasoned. She wondered if he’d gone to see Melissa and knocked at her door. There was no response. She went back inside Adam’s flat and put on the television. Six o’clock arrived and she watched the news. He must have been away for over two hours. At last, he came back, looking slightly dishevelled.

  ‘Sorry. You were busy so I went out without telling you.’

  ‘It’s okay. I didn’t expect you to tell me if you went anywhere,’ she lied.

  ‘I went to see Melissa.’

  ‘I knocked at her door, but she never answered.’

  ‘Oh, that was you was it?’

  ‘I assumed she was out.’

  ‘No, she was there. I was with her.’

  ‘So, what did she have to say?’

  ‘You know Melissa. Totally unaware of any problems she’d caused. Unaware that the lies she told meant anything at all. Anyway, I’m going to change. I feel somewhat grubby.’ He went into his room and changed out of his shirt, not before Fiona had seen a lipstick mark on it. The colour exactly matched Melissa’s choice of the day.

  She sat staring into space, shocked to the core. All Adam had said about her and he’d obviously kissed her. They hadn’t answered the door when she’d rung the bell. Who knew what they were doing? It made some sense of all the things Melissa had said to her.

  He’ll use you. You’re not the first company he’s tried to sell to.

  She had even implied they were closer to each other than Adam had let on. It was all becoming clearer to her now. They really were partners in every sense of the word. Melissa was a much better actress than she had given her credit for. She heard his shower running. Obviously he wanted to wash away any telltale signs of what he’d been doing ... with Melissa. How on earth was she going to cope? What on earth could she say to him? He was obviously a liar. Admittedly, a good one. He’d got her fooled anyway. Did this make any difference to the deal with her family? Thinking about it sensibly, of course it didn’t. The company was still good. The business deal was reasonable. The only problem was her. She could no longer stay here. It was Friday tomorrow, the day her father was expecting everything to be sent to him and the deal to go through.

  She still couldn’t believe it. When she thought about the trips they had made to the shops today, and seeing his anger at Melissa thieving, it made no sense at all. He was such a good actor too. She clearly needed to find another place to live when…if she came to oversee the store. But, for now, she didn’t need to be there anymore. It was too late to leave tonight, but she would go in the morning. She’d take a train back to Norminster and deliver the reports herself. Suddenly, she felt weary. She longed to see her Mum. Even the thought of Paula seemed good.

  ‘There, that’s better. What shall we eat tonight?’ Adam asked.

  ‘Anything.’ She didn’t quite know how to speak to him anymore. She drew in her breath and decided to ask her questions. ‘Before you start cooking, there’s a couple of things I need to know.’

  ‘Ask away. Want some wine?’

  ‘In a minute. I’ve almost finished the reports. I wanted to ask about some details of finance. Shall we go into the office?’

  They went and he booted up the computer. She found the information she needed, and thanked him politely.

  ‘I’ll add this and then it’s done. And I’m planning to go home tomorrow.’

  ‘Go home?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes. As in Norminster. I can deliver my report in person. Give me the chance to explain it all in detail. I will come back at some point. I’ll look for a flat of my own.’

  ‘You can stay here. You know that. And why not just send the reports? Email is perfectly good for such stuff. We can enjoy the weekend together.’

  ‘I’d prefer to go home, actually. Thank you for your hospitality. You’ve been an excellent host.’

  ‘You sound a bit final. There are so many things I wanted us to do together. Please stay, Fiona.’

  She wavered for a moment, but the thought of Melissa’s lipstick on his shirt put her off.

  ‘I’ve quite decided. I’ll look up the train times while you’re preparing something to eat.’

  ‘I’ll pour some wine and decide what to cook later. I’m really going to miss you.’

  ‘You can have your dinner parties and go out wherever you want to. I’m sure you’ll be fine.’

  ‘Would you like to go out for dinner this evening?’ he offered.

  ‘I’d prefer an early night. Ready to make an early start tomorrow. In fact, I may go and start packing. No point in leaving it to the last minute.’ She knew that if she stayed in the room with him much longer, she might burst into tears. She went into her bedroom and took out her case. She wiped away the tears that were threatening, and took things out of the wardrobe. He knocked at the door.

  ‘Yes,’ she called.

  ‘I’ve brought you some wine. It might help you with your packing.’ He came into her room and put it on the bedside table. ‘Why are you going so suddenly?’

  ‘I’ve been planning it for a while. It won’t make any difference to the deal. I’ve given you a good report. I’m sure my dad will go with what I’ve suggested.’ She picked
up the sea green dress, ready to pack.

  ‘You look stunning in that dress. Put it on this evening. I’ll make something special for us to eat. Then you can go home knowing you made a huge hit in London.’

  She hesitated, about to fold it into her case. Then she smiled.

  ‘Okay. I’m not sure when I’d wear it in Norminster anyway. Thanks for the wine. I’ll get ready. You’ve got half an hour.’

  ‘Right. Some wonderful creation in half an hour? May not be quite ready but I’ll do my best.’

  Fiona dressed in the beautiful sea green dress. She slipped on the matching shoes and brushed her hair, coiling it into a chignon, the way she knew he liked it. She looked at herself in the mirror. She looked a little pale but otherwise she saw the effect she wanted. Shame it was for that bastard who was busy cooking dinner. She gave a shudder once more, thinking of him in bed with Melissa. She hoped to goodness the woman didn’t come into the flat that night. Dinner with three was most certainly off the plan.

  ‘Wow,’ he said when she came into the room. ‘You really do look stunning. I feel slightly underdressed. Would you like me to put on my dinner jacket? If you could stir the sauce, I could quickly go and change.’

  ‘It’s all right. Don’t worry. Thank you again for this dress and the shoes.’

  ‘Nonsense. You don’t have to say it. Now, sit near me while I finish off. Where’s your wine? You ready for a top up?’

  ‘Oh, sorry. I’ve left it in my room. I’ll go and collect it.’ She went back into her room and stood for a moment, breathing deeply. She must not get sucked into his lies again. He was behaving perfectly normally, as if he’d done nothing all day or more especially, during the late afternoon and evening. She picked up her full glass, took a sip, and went back to the kitchen. She sat down near to him as he was making something that smelled delicious.

  ‘What are you making?’

  ‘Just a sauce to go with the pasta. Hope that’s going to be okay for you?’

  ‘I’m sure it will. Homemade pasta? Or haven’t you had time?’

  ‘It’s fresh pasta but not made by me. Nearly ready to serve now. Smoked salmon is the main ingredient. With asparagus and various other bits and pieces. Hope you like it.’

  ‘I’m sure if it tastes as good as it smells, it will be wonderful. Shall I lay the table?’

  ‘I’ve already laid it on the terrace. If it’s too cold, we can move inside.’

  ‘Lovely. It’s quite sheltered out there, and at least the rain has stopped.’

  He led her outside to the table and sat her down. Then he went back inside and brought some champagne, together with two crystal goblets.

  ‘I thought we deserved a small celebration.’ He popped the cork and it flew over the edge of the balcony and into the garden. She giggled.

  ‘Hope it didn’t hit anyone down there.’ She’d drunk her first glass of wine a little quickly, and it had gone to her head.

  He poured two glasses and lifted them in a toast.

  ‘Here’s to us and a successful business partnership.’ They both said cheers. ‘Do you really have to go home tomorrow?’ She felt herself waver, and then thought again about the lipstick mark on his shirt.

  ‘Yes. I really do. I haven’t looked at train times yet. I should do it before I drink too much more.’

  ‘I’ll look later. I’m going to get the food now. Oh, sorry I forgot about a starter.’

  ‘Not to worry. I’m sure the main course will suffice.’ She leaned back, trying to imprint a picture of the scene on her mind, so she could remember it happily. It had been an amazing few days, and she did have some happy memories. Adam came out with a tureen and some plates.

  ‘Here we go,’ he said, ladling out a colourful plate of pasta and salmon with broccoli and baby corn in it. There was sauce over it all, green in colour.

  ‘What’s the sauce?’ she asked.

  ‘Pureed asparagus, thickened with cream. Hope you like it.’

  ‘It look delicious.’

  ‘Good. Tuck in then. I’ll pour you some more champagne.’

  She forked up a mouthful and sighed. She was going to miss his creativity in the kitchen. Her mum was a splendid cook, but she tended towards large meals of fairly plain cooking.

  ‘Heaven,’ she murmured, forking up another mouthful.

  ‘Good. I’m glad you like it. You do look lovely. You know, if you stayed around a little longer, I’d have to forget what your father made me promise.’ She glared at him sharply.

  ‘Only if I allowed you to. I get the feeling your thoughts are elsewhere.’

  He looked at her and frowned. His dark eyes clouded a little, and he looked ... well, gorgeous and hurt. She had to look away and remember the lipstick marks once more. It certainly had the desired effect. She almost didn’t fancy him at all. The trouble was, he just looked so damned good. She drew in her breath and said,

  ‘This food in wonderful. You should think of opening a restaurant,’ and she tucked in, trying hard to forget that her heart was breaking into pieces.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Several times during the evening, Adam did his best to try to persuade Fiona to stay on. It took every ounce of self-control for her to say no.

  ‘I’m not saying I won’t come back,’ she assured him. ‘I’m definitely going to find myself a flat though. This place is gorgeous, and you’ve made me very welcome, but it just isn’t done for me to stay here. I’m actually surprised my father agreed to it.’

  ‘Only with a lot of threats from him. It’s okay. I won’t try to make you change your mind any more. You’re obviously determined to go for some reason. I’ll go and look up train times for you.’

  ‘I’ll clear the table. Shall I put it all in the dishwasher?’

  ‘Please. Oh not the champagne glasses. They need washing by hand.’ He went inside and into the office. She took the dishes in and followed him into the office. ‘There’s one at ten o’clock and another at ten past eleven. It only takes an hour and a half. Quicker than driving, actually.’

  ‘I’ll go for the ten o’clock one. I can order a taxi to get me there. How long will it take?’

  ‘I’ll drive you, of course. We’ll need to leave here about quarter past nine. Give you time to collect a ticket and so on.’

  ‘Thanks very much. I’m going to bed now then. Thanks again, for everything.’ Suddenly, she felt tears rising, and turned away from him. She heard him coming after her.

  ‘Fiona? Wait.’ He caught her hand and turned her back to him. ‘I don’t know why you’ve decided so suddenly to leave. Is it Patrick? Has he been in touch again?’

  ‘No. Nothing like that. I need to see my parents,’ she said feebly. He reached for her and pulled her into his arms. She felt herself growing weak, almost to the point of fainting. He pressed his mouth to hers and held her tightly.

  ‘Oh Fiona. Fiona,’ he breathed. She came to her senses and pushed him away.

  ‘No, Adam. Stop it right now. I don’t know what your game is, but I will not allow myself to fall for you.’

  She burst into tears and ran into her room without looking at him again. He was too good-looking for his own good, and he must know the sort of impression he made on women. Well, here was one woman who wasn’t falling for him. Well, not too much, anyway. If she went away now, he could do what he liked with Melissa or anyone else he wanted to. She lay on her bed and cried. Her dress was crumpled, and she felt so miserable. At last she got up and took it off. She rolled it up and stuffed it into her case. So much for that. It would always iron, she consoled herself. She lay in bed dozing her way through the night. It would be good to get home and sleep properly again, if she ever could.

  She was up early the next morning. Adam was ahead of her, and had set out croissants and apricot jam and put out a bowl of fruit. The coffee was smelling wonderful.

  ‘Thank you for doing all this. It’s very kind of you.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ he replied. ‘Would you prefer some
thing hot? I can do bacon or scrambled eggs.’

  ‘This is fine. Where did you get the croissants?’

  ‘There’s a little shop round the corner. I went and knocked on the door before they were open. But they didn’t mind, of course. A French guy runs the shop with his wife. I should have shown it to you.’

  ‘Doesn’t really matter anymore, does it?’ He shook his head.

  ‘No, I suppose it doesn’t.’

  ‘Didn’t you want to invite Melissa in to join us? A last farewell?’

  ‘Why on earth would I do that?’ Adam asked. ‘She won’t be up yet, anyway.’

  ‘No, of course not. I’m not as aware of her habits as you are, clearly. These croissants are lovely.’ She popped a large piece into her mouth and chewed it. It actually tasted like soggy cardboard, and she was having problems swallowing it. In fact, she was having a problems swallowing anything this morning. She smiled as cheerfully as her face would allow. ‘I’ll go and finish packing now, if you’ll excuse me.’

  ‘Aren’t you going to have another one? I bought even more than I’ve put out.’

  ‘No thanks. Lovely but I’m still full from last night.’ She escaped into her room and slumped down on the bed. Another hour before they needed to leave. What on earth was she going to do for all that time. She switched on her computer and checked through the reports she had done. It was all in good order. She put the last few bits into her case and knew she could no longer delay going into the main room.

  Adam was sitting at the table, his chin resting on his hands. He looked rather glum.

  ‘Oh there you are. Got everything in?’

  ‘Yes thanks. I’ve got a lot more to take home with me, but the case expands, so it’s all gone in.’

  ‘Good. I can always keep anything that won’t.’

  ‘No. It’s all in. Thanks.’

  ‘This is ridiculous. What’s wrong Fiona? Why are you dashing home so suddenly?’

  ‘I’ve told you. I need to explain the report to my father. And I want to see my family again. Don’t forget, we’re a close family. We actually do like each other’s company.’